Delaire Graff Estate im Banghoek Valley
is located on the Helshoogte Pass between Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, overlooking the Banghoek Valley. The vineyards climb the slopes of Botmaskop and benefit from a combination of elevation, mountain climate and cooling maritime influences. Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay in particular find favourable conditions here for long, even ripening. The estate currently has around 17 hectares of its own vineyards.
Delaire Graff's modern story began in 2003, when British entrepreneur and diamond dealer Laurence Graff acquired the former Delaire Estate. Over the following years, vineyards, buildings and gardens were comprehensively redesigned. Extensive soil analyses and temperature measurements were used to plant individual parcels with suitable grape varieties and clones. The redeveloped estate opened in 2009 and today combines wine, art, gastronomy and hospitality.
The soils consist mainly of highly weathered granite and red, clay-rich soils. The elevation provides lower temperatures and extends the ripening period. Within the Banghoek Valley, aspect, soil structure and elevation vary considerably, giving individual vineyards very different conditions. Delaire Graff uses these differences deliberately and farms each parcel according to its individual characteristics.
Chardonnay is one of the estate's most important white grape varieties. Terraced Block Reserve Chardonnay in particular comes from a single terraced parcel with vines facing different directions. The current 2023 vintage was barrel-fermented and matured for ten months in French oak. The range also includes Banghoek Chardonnay, Coastal Cuvée Sauvignon Blanc and various white blends. Banghoek Chardonnay 2023 was awarded Best Chardonnay and Best White Wine at the 2025 Investec Trophy Wine Show.
Cabernet Sauvignon is a particular focus among the red wines. The variety benefits from the deep red soils and comparatively cool conditions of the Banghoek Valley. Delaire Graff produces both varietal Cabernet wines and the flagship wines The Banghoek and Laurence Graff Reserve. Botmaskop, a Bordeaux-inspired blend, is also one of the estate's best-known wines. Merlot and other classic Bordeaux varieties complete the range.
Winemaker Morné Vrey is responsible for wine production. In the gravity-fed cellar he combines classic methods with modern cellar technology. The aim is not a uniform house style, but the clearest possible expression of the different vineyards and grape varieties. Higher-end wines in particular are therefore often produced from individual parcels or deliberately selected lots.
Delaire Graff thus combines a relatively young name with a distinctive site in historic Stellenbosch. The combination of Banghoek, Helshoogte Pass, weathered granite and high-altitude vineyards particularly shapes Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. At Vin Africa, Delaire Graff represents characterful wines from one of Stellenbosch's coolest and most scenically impressive locations.